The Wasp, 1913 · page 154 of 364
The Wasp — 1913 — page 154: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page depicts a dramatic sword duel between two military officers: Burnham and Stanton, overseen by Captain Cross. The narrative describes a physical confrontation between skilled swordsmen, with detailed attention to their bodily condition and martial technique. The text emphasizes Stanton's superior swordsmanship despite his out-of-condition physique—suggesting theoretical skill versus practical wear. The passage builds tension through precise description of the duel's opening moments: the clash of blades, the muscular strain, the tactical positioning. Without seeing the accompanying illustration, the exact satirical target remains unclear. However, *The Wasp* was a San Francisco-based satirical magazine known for political commentary. This could represent a metaphorical "duel" between political or social figures of the era, using military combat as allegory. The emphasis on condition and appearance hints at criticism of one or both parties involved. The specific identities and historical context require additional information to determine definitively.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE WASP 151 an inch longer in the arm. His waist was thick, his hips large, his thighs and flanks round. His fine chest and shoulders were a trifle too heavy. He was certainly not in the pink of condition, although youth and a strong constitution still did much to make good the wear and tear of deep cups and long hours. His big, naked sword arm was red. His face was white. But theoretically, at least, he was the best swordsman in his regiment. At a word from Captain Cross, Burnham and Stanton saluted each other with their swords. Next instant the blades struck with a tinkle. The morn- ing light caught the trembling points and flickered there like fire. The blades stood motionless, as if welded to- gether; but the muscles of the naked arms rippled and twitched. Wrists were being tested. The two men stood eye to eye. Their feet began to shift position a little on the firm_sand. Stanton lowered his point suddenly and thrust. His point caught, for a fraction of a second, in the fold of linen between Burnham’s shoulder and el- Comichooks.com